Diesel Pusher
Is a classic Class A diesel pusher (pre-2009) worth buying?
Classic diesel pushers — those built in the 1990s and early 2000s by manufacturers like Beaver and Country Coach — represent some of the finest coach construction ever made. Many of those companies are no longer in business, but their coaches were built to exceptional standards. You can find a very well-appointed classic diesel pusher for thirty to seventy thousand dollars. The key challenge is finding one that has been properly maintained, since many of these coaches were run until something broke rather than kept up preventively. A thorough inspection is essential.
What makes a diesel pusher different from a gas Class A?
A diesel pusher has its engine mounted in the rear of the coach, pushing it from behind — hence the name. The diesel generator is typically located up front. A gas Class A has its engine in the front, and the generator is usually in a side bay on the driver's side. Diesel pushers offer significantly more torque and towing capacity — some with engines producing six hundred horsepower capable of towing up to twenty thousand pounds. Gas Class A engines typically tow around five thousand to seven thousand pounds. Diesel also handles steep grades and long hauls more effectively.
Why is maintenance more expensive on a diesel pusher?
Everything is larger on a diesel pusher. Oil changes involve more volume, more filters, and more labor. Diesel shops that will work on motorhomes are not as widely available as general auto shops, and some diesel shops refuse to service motorhomes at all. Parts cost more, and any work that requires specialty equipment adds to the expense. By comparison, a gas Class A can often be serviced at any shop equipped to handle a vehicle of its size, since the engines are typically Ford or GM platforms that most mechanics already know.
How do I know if a Class A diesel pusher has been properly maintained?
Look for service records. A well-maintained coach will have documentation of regular oil changes, coolant flushes, transmission service, and generator maintenance. During an inspection, a certified inspector will look for signs of deferred maintenance — oil leaks, worn belts and hoses, neglected slide mechanisms, deteriorated seals, and chassis issues. Classic coaches that have been sitting or passed through multiple owners without documentation are higher risk and warrant extra scrutiny.
Should I be concerned about DEF systems on post-2009 diesel pushers?
DEF — Diesel Exhaust Fluid — became required on diesel engines starting around 2009 to meet emissions standards. You will find the best information about any problems with the DEF system in an online forum specializing in your exact coach.
How many items does an inspector typically find on an older Class A diesel pusher?
Older classic diesel pushers — those approaching or exceeding twenty years old — commonly come in with forty or more findings. Coaches that are particularly well-aged or poorly maintained have come in at fifty to sixty items. This does not necessarily mean the coach is not worth buying; it means you have a complete picture of what it needs, and you can make an informed decision about the investment.
What should I watch on the gauges while driving a Class A?
Always drive a Class A by the numbers. Watch your engine temperature closely, especially on long grades or when towing. If the temperature begins to climb, it may be time to pull over and let it cool before continuing. Monitor your tire pressure and tire temperature using a TPMS — a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. A tire that is running hot or losing pressure can blow out without warning. Getting early notice from a TPMS gives you time to safely exit the road before a dangerous situation develops.
Gasoline
What is the difference between a Class A gas and a Class A diesel?
A Class A gas motorhome has its engine in the front and typically runs on a Ford or GM gasoline platform. A Class A diesel pusher has its engine in the rear and runs on a diesel platform with significantly more torque and towing capacity. Gas Class A coaches are generally more affordable to purchase and easier to service, but they have lower towing capacity and can struggle on steep mountain grades compared to diesels.
Is a gas Class A easier to service than a diesel?
Yes. Gas Class A engines — typically Ford or GM platforms — can be serviced at most shops that can accommodate the size of the vehicle. You do not need to find a specialized diesel shop, which can be difficult in some areas and which may not always accept motorhome work. Service is more accessible, and parts are generally more widely available and less expensive.
How much can a Class A gas engine tow compared to a diesel?
A Class A gas motorhome can typically tow around five thousand to seven thousand pounds. A Class A diesel pusher can tow considerably more — some models are rated up to twenty thousand pounds with high-output engines. If you plan to tow a vehicle, a boat, or any significant load behind your motorhome, towing capacity is an important factor in choosing between gas and diesel.
What should I watch for when driving a Class A gas on steep grades?
On long or steep inclines, the transmission on a gas Class A can begin to overheat, especially if you are towing additional weight. Watch your transmission temperature gauge, and if it starts climbing, reduce speed or pull over to let it cool. Engine temperature should also be monitored. It is important to drive by the numbers — pay attention to your gauges rather than pushing through on schedule.
What is a TPMS and do I need one on a Class A?
A TPMS — Tire Pressure Monitoring System — is a device that monitors the air pressure and temperature of each tire in real time while you are driving. On a Class A motorhome, a tire blowout can be extremely dangerous due to the size and weight of the vehicle. A TPMS gives you advance warning when a tire is losing pressure or running hot, so you can safely pull over before a blowout occurs. It is strongly recommended on any Class A, both gas and diesel.
